Another Inside Weddings Feature!

February 22nd, 2012

With wedding season just around the corner, Mistyka was once again selected to contribute to Inside Weddings’ “Expert Advice” column. The article describes in detail the services you can expect from all of the different levels of wedding coordination, ranging from “day-of” services to a “full-service” coordination. There are many elements to consider when selecting a wedding consultant but this little guide will definitely help you narrow down your choices.

Be sure to pick up the issue on newsstands now and check out the article!

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Cherry on Top

February 11th, 2012

Ali and I were at a meeting with the Hard Rock Cafe team in Hollywood and afterwards, we decided to sneak in a little shopping.  I absolutely loved Louis Vuitton’s window display!  Brilliant marketing during this season of love.

We hope you all have your own ”cherry on top” this Valentine’s Day!

xxoo, Mistyka

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A Breath of Fresh Art

February 3rd, 2012

As you may know by now, we always get inspired on our travels. However, the same is true about art. We recently came across this amazing artist, Janet Echelman, who creates stunning public art installations that are ‘living’ sculptures. Using a netting technique that was inspired by her experience of watching fisherman in India, she creates these giant flowing forms that just appear to ebb and flow with the natural current.

Although these pieces of art are one-of-a-kind, we can’t help but think about how lighting and light fixtures influence and transform the entire look of a room. Echelman’s work inspires us to continue to push the envelope and create unique atmospheres for our events!

P.S. If you happen to find yourself at Terminal 2 in SFO, you can see her permanent installations.

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Bring it on 2012!

January 6th, 2012

2012 is off to a great start! Our table designs have been featured in a 4-page spread  in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style’s 2012 Spring/Summer issue. You’ll have to wait until the spring to pick up an issue, but here is a sneak peak!

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Ringing in the New Year with the Dawa!

December 28th, 2011

Many of you may have noticed by now, that my design and entertaining inspirations often come from my travels. This Saturday evening, friends and family at my New Year’s party will toast to 2012 with a signature drink  – the Dawa Cocktail! I recently sipped the Dawa in Quebec City, Canada; although the cocktail originates from Africa and is based on a Brazilian recipe. The uniquely delicious combination of vodka, brown sugar and honey is truly international!

Special Occasions wishes you a safe New Year’s celebration! See y’all in 2012!

Ingredients

•  1¾ oz (50 ml) Finlandia Vodka

•  2 bar spoons Brown Sugar

•  1 lime, cubed

•  Honey-coated stir stick (garnish)

Preparation

•  Place cubed limes and brown sugar into an Old Fashioned glass

•  Crush limes, add crushed ice and pour in the Finlandia Vodka

•  Twist a “Dawa” or honey stick into honey and add to the drink

•  Muddle limes with Dawa or honey stick

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Happy Holidays from the Big Apple

December 21st, 2011

During my annual winter trip to New York City, I noticed that there was a common theme in the streets of NYC that fit its nickname, “ The Big Apple”, perfectly.  The  décor elements were common holiday items, but BIG!  Just imagine a holiday version of  “Honey I Shrunk the Kids”. It’s amazing how something as simple as an oversized Christmas light could be so impressive and really grab everyone’s attention.

There were so many people that wanted their photo taken in front of the giant Christmas tree lights that I had to wait my turn!

The reflection of the ornaments in the water at night was simple, yet very festive.

Slinkys still have a way of bringing out the kid in everyone!

Not exactly a toy soldier when it is more than twice your size!

Cartier’s signature wrapping . . . across the entire building!

Santa will be able to read these letters without his glasses.

Hmmm . . . I wonder if these candy canes smell like peppermint :)

We wish you a safe and fun holiday celebration with your family and friends! Celebrate BIG!

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A Sunny Winter for SO!

December 14th, 2011

It may be a balmy winter in most of the country, but it’s sunny and gorgeous in Hawaii! Yes, we are in Hana, Maui for our second site visit for a 2012 wedding and we are budding with excitement on the final details of the event.

Wedding ceremony location . . . Isn’t this a breathtaking view?!

The famous Hāna Highway, one of the top 10 most beautiful drives in the US.

We saw this driving down the road and were totally inspired to incorporate this into one of the wedding weekend’s festivities.

The beautiful landscaped gardens at the resort.

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Keeping Kids Busy on Turkey Day!!

November 23rd, 2011

It’s easy to keep adults entertained while the turkey is in the oven, just pour some wine! Kids on the other hand, need a little more entertaining! Here are some last minute ideas on creating the perfect kid’s table this Thursday.

No need to set a table cloth . . . just place some butcher paper across the length of the table and tape down the sides. This will allow kids to draw or play games and it will also protect your table from any spills or accidents. Encourage them to write down what they are thankful for right on the table!

Looking for a creative way to display crayons? Make the super easy crayon bouquet by slicing a third off a Styrofoam ball to create a flat bottom, and then cover the ball with finger paint. When dry, insert crayons close together, starting at the top and using only bright colors. Voila!

The internet is a great resource for printable templates, like these turkey finger puppets.

If you happen to have some extra time, consider making these headdresses that double as a place card for the table and entertainment after dinner. Or if there are children that are old enough to use a glue gun, you can set-up a separate arts and crafts table.

1. Cut a strip of leather (available in craft or fabric stores) into approximately 21″ – 23″ lengths. Place ends of length together to form a circle and hot glue into place. Glue feathers onto inside back of headdress.

2. Using a paint pen or acrylic craft paint and an artist brush, paint each child’s name onto the front of their headdress. Embellish the sides with painted symbols or decorate with beads and hot glue.

If you decide to set-up an arts and crafts table for the headdresses, you can also add some extra materials so the kids can create a necklace or bracelet to wear with their headdress. Just stock the table with an assortment of colorful beads, leather cording and feathers.

GOBBLE GOBBLE . . . HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

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Ewan McGregor’s Premiere!

November 16th, 2011

Last week we produced a fantastic event for GO Campaign, an amazing non-profit organization that is dedicated to empowering orphans and vulnerable children throughout the world to secure a better future. Besides learning more about their important programs and seeing guests enthusiasm to support these programs, it was exciting to see Ewan McGregor’s first ever live musical performance.  He admits he was nervous but his performance ended the night on a high note! Congratulations GO GO Gala!

Click on the image below to see the clip from E News!

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A Spooktacular Soiree!

October 29th, 2011

Ahhh . . . Let the holiday season begin! It all starts with scary goblins, crazy outfits, and haunted houses – yes it’s going to be one fun Halloween weekend! We’re having some friends over to our very own Haunted House and thought we would share some of our ideas and inspiration.

First we have to begin with the libations! A little Black Magic Martini is the perfect drink to get the mood started!

(Black Magic Martini pictured far right)

Serves 1
1 cup ice
1 ounce black vodka (such as Blavod)
2 ounces cherry juice
Fresh raspberries and blueberries, for garnish

Combine ice, vodka, and cherry juice in a cocktail shaker; shake vigorously. Pour into a martini glass. Thread raspberries and blueberries onto a cocktail skewer, and place in drink. Serve immediately.

Blacklights are back! Yes, we are lighting the dance floor with blacklights! And for that extra WOW . . . hidden bubble machines filled with blacklight bubbles. Let the dancing begin.

It wouldn’t be a Halloween celebration without some creepy props. We came across this Meat Parlor at a Halloween store and we’re taking a bit of a gruesome risk but we have decided to recreate it! It’s going to make the perfect backdrop for photos!

Lastly, we have to have something a little sweet . . . with a spooky twist! How about some Bloody Witch Finger Cookies?!

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

A few drops of green food coloring

Whole almonds for decorating

1 cup of white chocolate chips

A few drops of red food coloring

Directions

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and confectioners’ sugar. Add vanilla and food coloring. Gradually add flour; mix well.

With lightly floured hands, shape a couple tablespoons of dough into 3-in. long “fingers”.

Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Press a whole almond onto the tips of the cookie. Bake at 350 degrees F for 9-11 minutes or until edges and bottom are lightly browned. Cool for 2-3 minutes before removing to wire racks.

For the blood red white chocolate:

Microwave white cholate chips until melted. Add food coloring. Dip cooled cookies into chocolate.

HAVE A FUN AND SAFE HALLOWEEN!

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